MTA selects IBS software for high volume, multi-channel order management

With 12,000 product lines, MTA carries the most extensive range of educational products in Australia and is the exclusive supplier of brands such as Vtech, Brio, Chicco, Graco, Playmobil, Ravensburger, Little Tikes and Wader. MTA markets its products to schools and retailers using a variety of on-line, catalogue and direct sales channels.

MTAs decision to review enterprise systems was prompted by its rapid growth in the last 18 months, and the inability of its legacy ERP application to support the business expansion. This high volume distributor with a sales network that spans Sydney, Brisbane and Wellington, New Zealand needed a system that would support its future growth strategy, while continuing to optimise customer service with a focus toward on-time, complete and accurate order management.

ASW gives MTA a single platform for managing and monitoring sales orders efficiently across all its divisions, channels and suppliers. The system is expected to cut costs and improve margins by automating order capture and management across MTAs catalogue and web channels. MTA will also use ASW to handle promotional pricing issues including its varying rebates/discounts, and the inbuilt EANway compliant EDI capabilities available with ASW will be used for transactions with leading retailers such as Myer, David Jones, Kmart, BIG W and Target.

Crucial to the decision to go with IBS was the ability to have MTAs new ERP system operational within a tight timeframe. Signing at the end of July, the project kicked off almost immediately and go live is scheduled for December 2004. The implementation will encompass all MTAs sites across Australia and New Zealand, and will have 100+ users.

After a long and thorough investigation process lasting several months, we concluded that IBS have the systems to allow MTA to succeed in todays ever more demanding marketplace. Equally important we believe that IBS have the staff and expertise to ensure a smooth and safe transition from our legacy system, said Neill Whiston, Director, Modern Teaching Aids.

Commenting on the deal, Staffan Wensing, Managing Director, IBS Australia said, Amidst strong competition during the evaluation process, IBS successfully won MTAs vote of confidence by demonstrating our leadership in supply chain and excellent customer references. Now the project is underway, the team is highly focused and working closely together to deliver a successful implementation. We are excited to be working with Australias leading name in educational supplies.

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